Modern languages: Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Translator - converts written material from one or more languages (source language) into another (target language), ensuring that the translated version is as clear and accurate as the source language text.
• Interpreter - converts spoken statements from one language to another in a range of settings including: international events and conferences; technical, business, legal or political meetings; court hearings; and police interviews.
• Secondary school teacher - teaches language classes to pupils aged 11-19. Teachers plan lessons in line with national objectives. They also encourage, monitor and record the progress of their pupils.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Retail buyer - promotes and negotiates sales of products to customers worldwide. Buyers source new merchandise and review existing ones to ensure products remain competitive.
• Chartered accountant - provides financial information, maintains general accounting systems and performs audits on clients, often on both their UK and foreign operations.
• Diplomatic Services operational officer - most posts abroad involve dealing with representatives of overseas governments, explaining British foreign policy and negotiating over different issues or, in some cases, promoting exports and assisting trade.
• Logistics and distribution manager - coordinates the supply, movement and storage of goods and raw materials, including operational management. This often involves using complex IT and telecommunications systems.
• English as a foreign language teacher or English as a second language teacher - teaches English to international students in either the UK or overseas. Also known respectively as TEFL or EAL (English as an additional language) in schools and as ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) within adult education.
• Event organiser - identifies potential business and researches, writes, plans and runs all aspects of conferences on behalf of an organisation or a client.
• Marketing executive - involved in business development, market research, planning, product development, pricing, packaging, advertising, PR and sales.
• Market researcher - acquires and analyses data on what organisations or people buy, need, do or think, and explores the reasons why, on behalf of businesses, governments and charities.
• Solicitor - advises individuals and organisations on legal aspects of personal and business problems.

A languages degree is suitable for a wide range of occupations and sectors. For detailed information go to using your language skills. Many language graduates want to work internationally and there is useful information on this site on working abroad.

Other options

Over 13% of modern languages graduates get their first job outside of the UK. Many graduates take on a short-term role, such as teaching English, while living abroad and perfecting their language skills. However, you could make teaching English your long-term career. Some graduates also take short-term roles in the tourism and leisure industry.

Another option is to embark on a freelance career in interpreting or translating. To get yourself established, it is essential to have some experience behind you so joining an agency may be a good choice. Self-employment requires great contacts and the ability to market yourself. Having an interesting mix of languages under your belt will also be attractive to potential clients.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.